Job overview
We are seeking an enthusiastic, self-motivated Genetic Technologist with significant laboratory experience of clinical cytogenetic techniques in a UKAS accredited diagnostic genomics laboratory.
Applications are invited from experienced Genetic Technologists to join the team at the North London Rare Disease Laboratory Hub at Great Ormond Street Hospital.
Experience of working to ISO15189 is essential. Great communication skills and experience of training is essential. Experience of line management and an interest in automation/innovation would be an advantage.
The successful candidate will be managing a team of technologists in our cytogenomic section. This team use cytogenomic techniques including specimen preparation, cell culture, FISH, and preparation of G banded slides for karyotyping.
Informal enquiries can be made to: L
Main duties of the job
The Rare Disease Laboratory has an establishment of approximately 180 including technologists, Clinical Scientists, translational scientists, bioinformaticians and administrative support staff. Along with two Clinical Genetics teams we form a strategic Genetics Unit within North Thames and provide North London with a Regional Genetics Service serving a population of approximately 10 million.
Having been awarded 11 specialisms in the NHSE Genomic Medicine Service, the rare disease laboratory provides an in-house diagnostic service for molecular and cytogenetic testing in accordance with the NHS England Genomic Test Directory. Testing is provided for both prenatal and postnatal samples using Next generation sequencing, SNP microarray, karyotyping, FISH, MLPA, qPCR, ddPCR, NIPD and other targeted tests. We are also engaged in the delivery of the NHSE GMS Whole Genome Sequencing programme for our North Thames patients and specialist WGS for larger areas of England.
We are involved in a number of collaborative research and development projects with colleagues at the UCL Institute of Child Health and Institute of Neurology as part of the UCL Partners Academic Health Sciences Centre.
Working for our organisation
GOSH is committed to recruiting the best person for the job, based solely on their ability and individual merit as measured against the criteria for the role; through a process that is fair, open, consistent and free from bias and discrimination.
We are committed to being a diverse and inclusive employer and foster a culture where all staff are valued, respected and acknowledged. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, disability status or length of time spent unemployed.
We particularly welcome applications from BAME communities, people with disabilities and/or long-term health conditions and LGBT+ community members.
We have policies and procedures in place to ensure that all applicants and employees are treated fairly and consistently. We are proud to be accredited as a Disability Confident Employer, a member of Business Disability Forum and a Stonewall Diversity Champion.
We have active and Executive supported BAME, LGBT+ and Allies, Disability and Long-Term Health Conditions and Women’s staff networks. Staff networks are employee-led groups formed around interests, issues and a common bond or background. Staff network members create a positive and inclusive work environment at Great Ormond Street Hospital by actively contributing to the Trust’s mission, values and efforts specific to inclusion. All of our staff networks are open to any employee.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The full job description provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience and knowledge required. For both documents please view the attachment/s below.
Person specification
Values
Essential criteria
* Gosh Values
* Knowledge and Understanding of diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
* Understanding of Diversity and Inclusion challenges in the workplace.
* Demonstrable contribution to advancing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace
Academic/Professional qualification/Training
Essential criteria
* Degree in a Scientific subject or equivalent qualification
* Evidence of participation in CPD
Desirable criteria
* Registration with the Academy for Healthcare Science or equivalent
Experience/Knowledge
Essential criteria
* Previous genetics laboratory experience
* Experience of cell culture, FISH and G Banded karyotyping in a routine diagnostic laboratory
* Evidence of supervising/training other staff
* Experience with laboratory information and quality management systems, UKAS compliance
* Sound knowledge of Health & Safety
Desirable criteria
* Demonstrated capability to effectively manage other staff
Skills/Abilities
Essential criteria
* Practical; numerate; basic computer skills; follows verbal and written instructions.
* Able to communicate orally and in writing effectively
* Able to support the validation of new techniques / tests including ability to troubleshoot. Willing to adapt to changes in methodology
* Able to contribute to the continuous improvement in the quality of the service provided.
* Computer literate